Illegal eateries fined Rs 1 cr for defaulting on sales tax

We were surprised to find out that as many as 12 big eateries did not register. We tracked the orders on these food delivery applications to the restaurants where they were placed.Hyderabad: In raids on eateries which have allegedly failed to register with it, the Commercial Taxes Department (CTD) has imposed penalties and taxes on as many as 60 such restaurants to the tune of Rs 1 crore since June 18.

Sources said that in order to take action against these unregistered eateries, department officials monitored the activity of internet and mobile phone based food delivery applications such as Swiggy, Food Panda and Zomato, among others. Officials then traced the orders and monitored them.

"We were surprised to find out that as many as 12 big eateries did not register. We tracked the orders on these food delivery applications to the restaurants where they were placed. Later we ledgerised all the eateries or restaurants where orders were placed and then began the raids," said a CTD official who did not wish to be identified.

As many as 30 teams comprising between five and seven personnel were pressed into action. These teams studied the sale and delivery mechanisms of various eateries and later proceeded to raid them. "The Rs 1 crore penalty has be imposed on one single day," the source said.

When contacted, joint commissioner CTD (enforcement) B Revathi Rohini confirmed the development. "The raids have been conducted. On behalf of commissioner V Anil Kumar, we appeal to all eateries across the city to register with the department. We intend to continue with the raids for the foreseeable future," she said.According to rules, eateries are required to register with the department and declare their turnover. The raids have been conducted on eateries for FY 2015-16.

Come the month of Ramzan, the sale of food items at restaurant increases, especially during evenings. While some sources claimed that haleem outlets too were raided, no official came forward to confirm this.